Fluid flow controlling system



Oct. 29, 1940- J. 1.. DEF-ANDORF r AL 2,219,472

FLUID FLOW CONTROLLING SYSTEM Filed Nov; 14, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 NORMAL CONTROL LIMITS OUTER CONTROL LIMITS Oct. 29, 0- J. 1.. DEFANDORF ET AL 2,219,472

FLUID FLQW CONTROLLING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 14, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Oct. 29, 1940 UNITED STATES ENT F FICE FLUID FLOW CONTROLLING SYSTEM of Delaware Application November 14, 1938, Serial No. 240,398

19 Claims.

This invention relates to fluid flow controlling systems, and more particularly to apparatus for regulating the volumetric rate of flow of a fluid in accordance with variations in the rate of supply of or demand for the fluid. While not limited thereto, the invention relates to a flow controlling system involving use of a float operated liquid level responsive device.

An object of the invention is to provide a system including a receiver for a fluid and pump operating means operable to provide different pumping rates to maintain a predetermined condition of the fluid in the receiver under conditions of variation in the rate of supply of or demand for the fluid.

Another object is to provide an improved system of the aforementioned character including pumping means and means whereby the output of said pumping means is varied automatically as the condition of the fluid in the receiver varies from a given condition.

A more specific object is to provide a flow controlling system including means responsive to variations in the level of the liquid in a receiver, whereby the output of the pumping means is progressively varied in accordance with the direction of change of the level in the receiver relative to a normal level and is maintained at its instant output value upon reversal in the direction of change of level pending departure of the level from said normal'level in the opposite direction.

Another object is to provide a system of the aforementioned character including a plurality of pump motors of different maximum speeds operable in sequence and in given gradients throughout predetermined .speed ranges under given conditions of variation in the liquid level.

Another object is to provide a system of the aforementioned character wherein transfer of the pump drive from one motor to another is effected automatically at predetermined substantially like speeds upon a given change in the liquid level in one direction, and wherein return transfer be- 45 tween the motors is effected at other predetermined substantially like speeds upon a given change in the liquid level in the other direction, to avoid excessive transfer between the motors upon fluctuation of the level of the liquid.

" Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

The accompanying drawings illustrate certain embodiments of the invention which will now be described; it being understood that the invention is susceptible of embodi e t i ot e f rms Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 illustrates schematically a typical arrangement with a sump or tank, in which the 5 level of the liquid is to be controlled, of an inflow or supply conduit and an outflow conduit having a motor driven pump located therein, together with certain of the control elements of a float operated liquid level controlling system con- 0 structed in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic and schematic illustration of the liquid level controlling system which is operated by the control elements shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 illustrates schematically a modification of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, wherein the pump is located in the inflow conduit.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary diagrammatic illustration showing a modification of the control system illustrated in Fig. 2 to adapt the latter for control of thepump motors in the arrangement shown in Fig. 3.

The system shown in Fig. 1 and hereinafter described, while not limited thereto, is particularly applicable for use in connection with sewage disposalplants or systems, wherein a collecting tank or sump is so situated in a community as to provide for flow of .the liquid sewage from different sections of the community by gravity or other suitable means into the tank. The present arrangement provides for regulating the flow of liquid sewage from the tank to a sewage disposal plant by means of a variable speed motor driven pump, the pumping rate of which is controlled 7 in accordance with variations in the level of liquid in the tank as affected by variations in the rate of flow of the liquid into the tank.

Referring first to Fig. 1,the numeral I designates a tank into which liquid, such as sewage, is discharged at a varying rate from a conduit 2. The liquid is pumped from tank I, as to a sewage disposal plant, through a conduit 3 by a pump 4 at a rate dependent upon variation of the level g of the liquid from certain predetermined limits as affected by variations in the rate of flow of the liquid from conduit 2. It is to be understood that tank i may be of relatively small size relative to the rate of flow, and in practice the rate of flow into the tank may vary from five million to fifteen million gallons a day, for example.

It is desirable to pump the liquid from tank I at a rate corresponding substantially with the rate of discharge of the liquid into said tank from conduit 2. Accordingly it is primarily desired to operate pump 4 at a speed which is just suflicient to maintain the level of the liquid in tank I within certain limits with respect to a predetermined normal level thereof.

Pump 4 is operable selectively at different speeds by one or the other of two motors 5 and 6. As shown, motor 5 is a relatively small motor and motor 6 is a relatively large motor, the same being rated, for example, at 200 H. P. and 450 H. P., and being operable at maximum speeds of substantially 750 R. P. M. and 900 R. P. M., respectively. Also motor 5 is normally adapted to operate pump 4 when the rate of flow of the liquid into tank I varies between that corresponding to a supply of five millions or less and that corresponding to a supply of ten millions of gallons a day, for example, and motor 6 is normally adapted to operate said pump when the rate of flow of the liquid into the tank varies between that corresponding to a supply of ten millions and that corresponding to a supply of fifteen millions of gallons a day, for example. The rotors of said motors are carried by a single shaft and said shaft is connected to the operating shaft of pump 4,the rotor of the inactive motor being consequently rotated by the rotor of the active motor.

Each of the motors 5 and 5 is a variable speed motor, and as hereinafter more fully described, motor 5 starts and operates at its lowest speed upon rise of the liquid level in tank 1 to a predetermined normal high control limit. Thereafter, if the pumping rate which is afforded by the aforementioned low speed operation of motor 5 is insufficient to lower the liquid level or if the liquid level continues to rise, the speed of motor 5 is increased in finite increments, or in a stepby-step manner, at given intervals of time. If the liquid level is not lowered, or if it continues to rise, the speed of motor 5 is increased, in the manner aforestated, to its maximum speed. Thereafter operation of pump 4 is transferred from small motor 5 to large motor 6. The arrangement is such that motor 6, upon such transfer, starts at a speed approximating the maximum speed of motor 5. The speed of motor 6 is adapted to be increased from its starting to its maximum speed in the manner aforestated upon persistence of the aforementioned high liquid level, or upon continued rise thereof.

If at any time during operation of one or the other of said motors the liquid level tends to lower, increase in speed of the motor is stopped, and the motor operates at its instant speed pending rise of the liquid level or lowering thereof to a predetermined normal low control limit. When the latter condition occurs, the speed of the active motor is decreased in finite steps at given intervals of time. If small motor 5 is operating, the speed thereof is decreased until it is finally stopped. If large motor 6 is operating, the speed thereof is decreased to a predetermined degree which is less than the maximum speed of motor 5, and transfer of pump operation is thereafter effected at such speed from motor 6 to motor 5. This overlap in transfer speeds avoids an excessive number of transfers between the motors upon fluctuation of the liquid level. Following transfer of pump operation to motor 5 the speed of the latter is adapted to be decreased in the manner aforestated.

If at any time during the afo-redescribed sequence of decrease in speed of one or the other of the motors the liquid level tends to rise, further decrease in speed of the, active motor isstopped, and the motor continues to operate at its instant speed pending lowering of the liquid level or rising thereof to the aforesaid normal high control limit.

Provision is further made in the present system whereby if the liquid level rises to a predetermined outer high or outer low control limit the aforementioned sequences of increase or decrease in the speed of the motors are effected at considerably more frequent intervals of time.

The control system for motors 5 and G includes a float switch 1 which is provided with contacts 8, 9, l0 and II. Contacts 8 and 9 are adapted to be in open position so long as the level of the liquid in tank I remains between the normal control limits indicated by the legend and arrows in Fig. 1, and contacts I!) and H are adapted to be in open position so long as the liquid level remains between the outer control limits, also indicated by the legend and arrows in Fig. 1. Said contacts are adapted to close selectively upon operationof a float [2 in accordance with variations in the liquid level with respect to said control limits. Thus contacts 8 and 8 are adapted to close when the liquid level reaches the normal low and normal high control limits, respectively-and contacts 10 and ll are adapted to close when the liquid level reaches the outer low and outer high control limits, respectively.

For purposes of illustration float switch 1 is shown in a simplified form and it will be noted that the movable member of each of the contacts 8, 9, I B and II is slidably mounted upon the float switch rod and is normally biased by an associated compression spring against a corresponding collar or shoulder carried by said rod. Thus upon given movements of float switch I said movable contact members are first moved into engagement with their associated stationary contacts and are thereafter adapted to slide with respect to said float switch rod against the action of said springs.

A second float operated switch [3 is adapted to operate in response to changes in the direction of variation of the level of the liquid in tank I. Switch I3 is actuated by operation of a float M which is attached to one end of a rope l5 engaged with the periphery of a sheave I6, rope 15 having a counterweight I! attached to its opposite end. A belt [8, having its ends attached to opposite ends respectively of a centrally pivoted contact member l9, frictionally engages the periphery of sheave l6, and said belt is made taut as by means of a tension spring 20 associated with the pivot of contact member l9. Contact member I9 is adapted to selectively engage its associated stationary contacts 2| and 22. Thus upon upward movement of float l4 sheave I6 is rotated in a clockwise direction causing tilting of contact member E!) into engagement with stationary contact 2|, as shown. Continued upward movement of float [4 causes sheave E6 to slip with respect to belt l8. However, immediately upon downward movement of float I4 sheave I6 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction causing tilting of contact member l9 out of engagement with contact 2| and into engagement with contact 22. Switch 13 may be of the character disclosed in the patent to Clarence T. Evans, No. 1,964,199, dated June 26, 1934.

A pair of momentary contact switches 23 and 24 are adapted to be closed at predetermined intervals by means 'of earns 25 and 26 which are rotated by a continuously operating pilot motor 2'5. Suitable gear reduction, indicated at 28 and provides for operation of cams 25 and 26, respectively, at relativelyslow and relatively fast rates of rotation-the arrangement being such that switch 23 is closed for, say, onesecnd at intervalsof three minutes, and switch 2A is closed for, say, one second at intervals of thirty seconds. It will be noted that under given conditions switch 23 is connected in series with contacts 2| and 9 and under other given conditions with contacts 22 and 8. Switch 24, under given conditions, is connected in series with contacts ll, 2| and 9 and under other given conditions with contacts in, 22 and 8.

Referring now to Fig.1, the control system further includes a motor switch 36 for the small pump motor and a motor switch 3! for the large pump motor 6. Switch 39 is provided with a closing winding 33' and a holding winding 39 a set of normally open contacts 30 which when closed establish power connections for motor 5, normally open contacts 30 and w and normally closed contacts SW, 38 and Switch Si is provided with a closing winding 3! and a holding winding 3t a set of normally open contacts 3i which when closed establish power connections for motor 6, normally open contacts 31 M and ii and normally closed contacts tl 3!, 3H and 3E A relay 32 is provided with an operating winding 32 which is energized under conditions hereinafter set forth only during closure of one or the other of momentary contact switches 23, 2 Relay 32 is provided with normally open contacts 32 32 32 and 32a and'energization and operation of said relay controls starting andiricrease in speed of motor 5-also transfer of pump operation to motor 6 and increase in speed thereof.

A relay 33 is provided with an operating winding 33* which in a manner similar to that stated connection with relay 32 is energized only during closure of one or the other of switches 23, 2%. Relay 33 is provided with normally open contacts 33 and 33 and with normally closed contacts 3'3 and 33 Energization and opera.- tion of said relay 33 controls decrease in speed of the active motor 5 or 5, transfer of pump operation from motor 5 to motor 5, and stopping of motor 5.

Further control instrumentalities, the function and operation of which are hereinafter described, comprise the relays 34- and 35. Relay M is provided with operating winding 3%, normally open contacts 34 and normally closed contacts 34 and 34 Relay 35 is provided with an operating winding 35 normally open contacts 35* and normally closed contacts 35. Relay 35 has associated therewith the normally open contacts 35 which are adapted to be operated to closed position by the delaying action of a clash-pot 35 upon energization and operation of relay 35.

Motor 5 is shown as a polyphase alternating current induction motor having primary and secondary windings with external resistance 5 in circuit with the secondary winding. For purposes of illustration a movable crosshead 36 is shown as the means for commutating resistance 5 and means are provided for movingsaid crosshead in finite steps including a reversible'split field pilot motor 3? operable through the medium of rack and pinion mechanism 38. Crosshead 36 is shown as; provided with an extension to effect bridging engagement with the various sets of contacts 38 to 46, inclusive. Operation of pilot motor 3'! in opposite directions is controlled by switches Al and 48, respectively. Said switches are provided with operating windings ll and 48 respectively, and with normally Open contacts M M and d8, 43, respectively. I

Motor 6 is similar in character to motor 5 and is provided with external resistance 6 in circuit with its secondary winding. Resistance i is commutatedin finite steps upon movement of crosshead 49 by a reversible split field pilot motor 56 through the medium of rack and pinion mechanism 5i. Crosshead 59 is provided with an extension to effect bridging engagement with the various sets oiconta-cts 52 to 59, inclusive. Operation of pilot motor 56 in opposite directions is controlled by switches 60 and 6!, respectively. Said switches are provided with operating windings 65 and Gi respectively, and with normally open contacts 60 60 and Gi 6, respectively.

Motors 5 and 6 are supplied with current from a suitable source of alternating current supply represented by lines L L and L A triple pole line switch 62 is provided for connecting the system tothe source of supply. The operation and further details of construction of the system will now be described, with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

Closure of line switch 62 connects the system to lines L L and L Assuming that the various control instrumentalities of the system are in the positions thereof illustrated in the drawings,

motors 5 and 6 are stopped. Assuming also that the level of the liquid in tank I is rising, the contactor Iiiof switch I3 is tilted to engage contact 2|, as shown. When the level of the liquid' reachesthe normal high control limit, contacts 9 of float switch 1 are closed. Thus upon momentary closure of switch 23 an energizing circuit is established for-the operating winding 32 of relay 32, said circuit extending from line L by conductors 63 and 64 (Fig. 2) through switch 23,0011 tactor l9 and contact 2! of switch l3, contacts 9 of float switch 1 and said winding 32 and by conductor 65 to line L In order to prevent premature deenergization of relay 32in the event of vibration or bouncing of contactor IS, a maintaining circuit is provided for winding 32 said circuit extending from line L by conductors $3 and 64 through switch 23, by conductors to and 67 through contacts 32 and winding'32 of relay 32, and by conductor 65 to line L Also upon the aforementioned momentary closure of switch 23 an energizing circuit is established for the operating winding of relay said circuit extending from line L through contacts 9, as previously traced, by conductor 62% through normally closed contacts 35 of relay 35, by conductor 69 through normally closed contacts 3H of switch Si, by conductors in and it through normally closed contacts 3W of switch 30 and said winding 35 and by conductor 65 to line L Relay 35 tends to maintain itself energized by a circuit extending from line L by conductors 63, i2 and 13 through contacts 35* of relay 35, by conductor ll through contacts 38 and winding 35 and by conductor 65 to line L Upon operation of relay 32 an energizing cir cuit is established for the closing winding 36 of motor switch 33, said circuit extending from line L by conductors 63, I2 and M through normally closed contacts 3P of switch 3! and normally closed contacts 34 of relay 34, by conductors I5 and 16 through contacts 32 of relay 32, by conductor 11 through contacts 42 (bridged by crosshead 35), by conductor 18 through said winding 3|) and normally closed contacts 30 and by conductor 65 to line L Operation of motor switch 30 establishes power connections for motor 5 through closure of contacts 30. Motor 5 thereupon runs at its slowest speed, crosshead 36 being in its position 1, as shown in Fig. 2.

Upon operation of switch 30, its normally closed contacts 35 are opened to interrupt the energizing circuit for closing winding 30 Also when switch 23 opens, the energizing circuit for winding 32 of relay 32 is interrupted with consequent opening of contacts 32 However, switch 30 is maintained closed by its holding winding 3|! which is energized by a circuit extending from line L through contacts 34 of relay 34, as previously traced, by conductors 15 and 19 through normally closed contacts 33' of relay 33 and said winding 30 and by conductor 55 to line L Opening of contacts 33 upon operation of switch 38 interrupts the energizing circuit for winding 35 of relay 35. However, if switch 38 fails to operate, relay 35 remains energized through contacts 38 and contacts 35 of relay 35 will close after a given interval by action of dashpot 35 An energizing circuit is thus established for the winding 34 of relay 34, extending from line L by conductors 53, I2 and 13 through contacts 35 35 of relay 35 and said winding 34*, and by conductor 65 to line L Operation of relay 34 opens contacts 34 preventing operation of switch 38.

Upon subsequent momentary closure of switch 23 relay 32 operates to establish an energizing circuit for the closing winding 3| 5 of motor switch 3!, extending from line L by conductors 80, 8| and 82 through contacts 34 of relay 34, by conductor 83 through contacts 55 (bridged by crosshead 49), by conductor 84 through contacts 32, winding 3 l normally closed contacts 3F, and by conductors 85 and 65 to line L Switch 3| is maintained closed upon opening of contacts 3| and 32 by its holding winding 3| the energizing circuit for which extends from line L by conductors 80 and 8| through normally closed contacts 33 of relay 33 and winding 3| and by conductors 85 and 55 1;0 line L Operation of motor switch 3| establishes power connections for motor 6 through closure of contacts 3|. Motor 8 thereupon runs at its slowest speed, crosshead 49 being in its position 1, as shown in Fig. 2.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the system insures slow speed operation of pump 4 by motor 6 in the event of failure of operation of motor switch 38.

However, assuming that switch 30 operates normally, motor 5 will run at its slowest speed, as aforedescribed. If the slow pumping rate thus provided is sufiicient to lower the liquid level, contactor l9 of switch I3 is tilted by downward movement of float l4 out of engagement with contact 2| and into engagement with contact 22. If the liquid level is within the normal control limits, contacts 8 and 9 of float switch 1 will be open and closure of switch 23 can effect no change in the operation of the system. In other words, operation of pump 4 is continued at the slow rate aforementioned.

If the level of the liquid is lowered .to the normal low control limit, contacts 8 of float switch close to establish an energizing circuit for operating winding 33 of relay 33 upon momentary closure of switch 23, said circuit extending from line L by conductors 63 and 64 through switch 23, contactor l9 and contact 22 of switch I3 and contacts 8 of float switch 1, by conductor 86 through winding 33 and by conductor 65 to line L In a manner similar to that described in connection with relay 32, a maintaining circuit is established for winding 33 (to prevent accidental deenergizaltion thereof due to vibration or bouncing of contactor I9 with respect to contact 22), pending opening of switch 23, said circuit extending from line L through switch 23, as traced, by conductors 66 and 81 through contacts 33 and winding 33 and by conductor 65 toline L Upon operation of relay 33 contacts 33 open to interrupt the energizing circuit for holding winding 30* whereupon motor switch 30 drops out to interrupt power connections to motor 5.

If under the conditions hereinbefore described, motor 6 is running at its slowest speed, operation of relay 33 opens contacts 33 to interrupt the energizing circuit for holding winding 3| whereupon motor switch 3| drops out to interrupt power connections to motor 6.

Assuming, however, that motor is running at its slowest speed, as aforedescribed, and further assuming that the level of the liquid remains substantially at the normal high control limit or continues to rise, contacts 9 of float switch 1 remain closed and momentary closure of switch 23 effects momentary operation of relay 32 in the manner aforedescribed. An energizing circuit is thus established for operating winding 48 of pilot motor switch 48, extending from line L by conductors 63 and 88 through contacts 32 of relay 32, by conductors 89 and 90 through contacts 3|] of switch 30, contacts 39 (bridged by crosshead 36) and winding 48 to line L Operation of switch 48 closes contacts 48 to connect pilot motor 3'! across lines L and L whereupon motor 31 operates in a direction to move crosshead 36 to the left from its position 1 to its position 2. The arrangement is such that crosshead 36 is moved sufliciently during closure of contacts 32'" to engage the first of the step-by-step contacts of the set designated generally by numeral 4|, so that upon opening of contacts 32 operating winding 48 of switch 48 is maintained energized until crosshead 35 reaches its position 2 by a circuit extending from line L by conductors 80 and 9| through con-tacts 4 I, by conductor 92 through contacts 48, 3|) and 39 and through said winding 48 to line L Thus one step of the secondary resistance 5 of motor 5 is short circui-ted and the speed of motor 5 is accordingly increased, accelerating the pumping rate.

If the liquid level remains sufiiciently high or continues to rise, each momentary closure of switch 23 effects operation of switch 48 in the manner described, to efiect step-by-step movement of crosshead 38 to the left by pilot motor 31 and thus to increase the speed of motor 5.

If the liquid level rises sufiiciently to reach the outer high control limit, contacts I of float switch I are closed to render momentary contact switch 24 effective. As hereinbefore stated, switch 24 is arranged to close at considerably shorter intervals than switch 23. Thus by subjecting the energizing winding 48 of switch 48 to control by switch 24 said pilot motor switch 48 will be operated at more frequentintervals to hasten the increase in speed of motor 5. It will be noted that contacts H and switch 24 provide a connection to switch l3 which parallels switch When crosshead tt reaches its position 11 motor 5 will operate at its maximum speed. In this position crosshead 36 bridges contacts 45, thus establishing an energizing circuit for the operating winding tii of pilot motor switch 6|, said circuit extending from line L by conductors 89 and 93 through contacts 45, by conductor 94 through contacts 5'! (bridged by'crosshead 49), by conductor 95 through contacts 52 and through said winding 6 i to line L Operation of switch 6| closes contacts 6t to connect pilot motor 59 across lines L L whereupon motor 59 operates in a direction to move crosshead 59 toward :the right. It will be noted that switch 6| is energized during engagement of crosshead 49 with contacts 51. Thus crosshead 49 is moved continuously until it is beyond its position liiilwherein it disengages contacts 5! and engages one of the step-by-step'contacts Et of set 5 3, whereby switch Si is maintained energized and movement of crosshead Z9 is continued into its position 11 wherein it disengages said step-by-step contact 54* of set 54.

The aforementioned maintaining circuit for switch ii! extends from line L by conductors 63 and $6 throughcontacts 54 (including 54 ),.by conductor 9? through contacts Sig-by conductor $53 through contacts 52 and winding til to line L In its position 11 crosshead 49 bridges contacts 58.

Thereafter, if the liquid level is not lowered or is still rising,each subsequent momentary closure of switch 23 or switch 24, depending upon whether contacts 9 or both contacts 9 and H of ,iioat switch i are closed, results in m-omentary operation of relay 32.

Pilot motor switch 43 cannot operate upon closure of contacts 32 since crosshead 36 is disengaged (in its position ll) from contacts 39.

Thus operation of relay 32 establishes an energizing circuit. for the closing winding 3% of motor switch 3 l, extending from line L by conductors 93 and 99 through contacts 58, by conductors E90 and 86 through contacts 32, winding 3! and contacts 3t and by conductors 85 and 65 to line L Closing winding 3H is deenergized upon opening of either of the contacts 3I or 32, but the holding winding- 3i is energized in the manner hereinbefore described.

Operation of switch (it establishes power connections to motor 5 through closure of contacts 35, whereupon motor 6 runs at a speed corresponding substantially to the maximum speed of motor 5 (with crosshead 49 in its position l1 Opening of contactsti interrupts the energizing circuit for the holding winding 30* of motor switch 38, which drops out to deenergize motor 5. Opening of contacts 3U prevents energization of the operating winding 35 of relay 35.

Thereafter, upon momentary operation of reiay 32, an energizing circuit is established for the operating windingtl of pilot motor switch fit, extending from line L by conductors 63 and 38 through contacts 92 by conductor 89 through contacts 31 by conductor 98 through contacts and winding Et to line L Operation of switch it closes contacts 68 to connect pilot motor 56 across lines L and L whereupon motor to operates in a direction to move crosshead 49 toward the right from its position 11 to its position 12.

a In a mannersimilar to that described in connection with crosshead 36, relay BI is maintained energized, upon opening of contacts 32 by a circuit extending from line L by conductors B3 and 96 through the step-by-step contact of set 54 which is between. positions 11 and 12, by conductor 91 through contacts 6I, by conducto'r 98 through contacts 52 and winding 6| to line L Thus upon each momentary operation of relay 32 pilot motor switch 6i closes to efiTe-ct operation of pilot motor 59 to move crosshead 49 toward the right by one position and thereby to increase the speed of motor 6. If crosshead 49 finally reaches its position 2|, motor 6 will operate at its maximum speed. It will be noted that in this position crosshead 49 does not bridge contacts 522, so that further operations of relay 32 can not effect closure of switch 6|.

If at any time during the aforedescribed sequence of operations; i. e., operations which provide for increase in speed of the motors and transfer of pump operation from motor 5 .to motor 6,-the liquid level begins to fall, contactor i9 switch I3 is immediately caused to tilt, upon downward movement of float I4, to-disengage contact 2i and to engage contact 22. Thus even though the level of the liquid is sufficiently high to effect closure of contacts 9, or both the latter and contacts H, no further adjustment to increase the speed of the operating motor can be efiected, pending subsequent rise of the liquid level, when contactor l9 would again be caused to engage contact 2!.

If at the time when operation of pump t should be transferred from motor to motor 6, motor switch 3i should fail to operate, motor switch to is maintained closed by its holding winding 39 the energizing circuit for which extends through the normally closed contacts 3U, 34 and 33 as previously traced-arid-motorb accordingly continues to operate at maximum speed, pending operation of switch (it, orlowering of the liquid level.

Assuming, however, that switch '3! operates normally, transfer of pump operation from motor 5 to motor ii will be effected, as aforedescribed,

and an energizing circuit is thereupon established for the operating winding 4? of pilot motor switch 4?, which extends from lineL byconductors 8t and HM through contacts 43 (bridged by crosshead 3% in position ll), through contacts 35 and Si by conductors M2, [03 and W4 through contacts 19 and winding 4'! to line L Operation of switch 4? closes contacts 41* to connect pilot motor-'3? across linesl. and L Motor It? operates in a direction to move crosshead 35 toward the right,and it will be noted that switch 91 will be energized through the medium of contacts 4-3 and crosshead 36 until the latter .is moved beyond its position 10, where it will engage the step-by-step contact of set 4-! which is between positions 10 and'9. Thus switch il is maintained energized until crosshead is moved to its position 95 by a cir-- cuit extending from line.L by conductors 80 and 9| through said contacts M, by conductor 92 through contacts M, by conductor W4 through contacts 49 and winding 47 to line L Crosshead 36 in its position 9 bridges contacts 44.

By means of the arrangement aforedescribed it will be apparent that excessive transfer of pump operation between motors 5 and 6 is avoided upon such fluctuation of the liquid-level. asto causemovement of crosshead 49 between its position 10 and higher positions. In other words, transfer of pump operation from motor 5 to motor 6 is adapted to be effected when crosshead 36 reaches its position 11. Thereupon crosshead'49 is adapted to be moved automatically from its position 1 to its position l1, and motor 6 is thereafter adapted to be started at the speed corresponding to such position of crosshead 49. When motor 6 is energized motor 5 is deenergized, and crosshead 36 is thereupon moved automatically from its position 11 to its position 9. As hereinafter described, transfer of pump operation from motor 6 to motor 5 is effected when crosshead 49 is moved to its position 9.

Assuming now that the liquid level conditions have been such as to require operation of motor 6 at its maximum speed, that is, crosshead 49 will have been moved to its position 21. Immediately upon lowering of the liquid level, the re sultant downward movement of float M will cause contactor IQ of switch 13 to disengage contact 2i and engage contact 22.

Motor 6 will continue to operate at its maximum speed until the liquid level falls to the normal low control limit, shown in Fig. 1, at which time float [2 will have moved downwardly to effect closure of contacts 8 of float switch 1. Thereafter upon closure of switch 23, relay 33 operates to establish an energizing circuit for operating winding 60 of pilot motor switch 69, which extends from line L by conductor 89 through contacts 33 by conductor I05 through contacts 3l by conductor I96 through contacts 53 and winding 60 to line L Operation of switch 60 effects operation of pilot motor 59 in a direction to move crosshead 49 toward the left from position 21 to position 20. Switch 69 is maintained energized upon opening of contacts 33 until crosshead 49 is moved to position 20 by a circuit extending from line L by conductors 63 and 96 through the contact of set 54 which is between positions 21 and 20, by conductor 91 through contacts 99 and 53 and through winding (it) to line L Thereafter, upon each operation of relay 33, crosshead 49 is moved toward the left by one position to decrease the speed of motor 6. If the liquid level falls to the outer low control limit, contacts ID of float switch 1 will be closed to render switch 24 effective, whereupon the speed of motor 6 is decreased more rapidly.

It will be noted that when crosshead 49 is in any of its positions 10 to 21 it bridges contacts 56, thus providing an alternative energizing circuit for the holding winding 3 I for that which is otherwise provided through contacts 33 of relay 33. Said circuit extends from line L by conductors 63 and 99 through contacts 56, by conductor I01 through winding 3| and by conductors 85 and 65 to line L When crosshead 49 has been moved toward the left'into its position 9 it disengages contacts 56, but not before relay 33 is deenergized, so that holding winding 3| is maintained energized through normally closed contacts 33 Upon subsequent operation of relay 33 contacts 33 are opened to deenergize holding winding 3 l whereupon switch 3| drops out to stop motor 6. An energizing circuit is established simultaneously for closing winding 39 of switch 30 which extends from line L by conductors 63, 12 and 14 through contacts 3| and 34, by conductor I 08 through contacts 44 .(bridged by crosshead 36 in its position 9), by conductors I99 and 18 through winding 39* and contacts 30 and by conductor 65 to line L Upon opening of contacts 39 switch 30 is maintained closed by holding winding 39*, the energizing circuit for which extends from line L by conductors 63, 12 and 14 through contacts 3| and 34 by conductors 15, I9 and H through contacts 46, by conductor Ill through winding 39", and by conductor 65 to line L Operation of switch 39 establishes power connections for motor 5, which thereupon operates pump 4 at a speed in accordance with that provided by crosshead 36 in position 9.

Thereafter crosshead 36 is moved toward the right by one position to decrease the speed of motor upon each operation of relay 33. The energizing circuit for operating winding 41* of pilot motor switch 41 may be traced from line L by conductor 80 through contacts 33 by conductors I05 and H2 through contacts 39 by conductors I03 and I94 through contacts 40 and winding 4'! to line L Winding 4'! is maintained energized during movement of crosshead 36 between its respective positions through contacts 4'! and 4| in the manner aforedescribed. If the liquid level continues to lower or does not rise, the speed of motor 5 is decreased, and said motor is finally deenergized.

If, on the other hand, the liquid level rises following transfer of pump operation from motor 6 to motor 5, the speed of motor 5 is increased to the maximum speed thereof, whereupon crosshead 49, which was last moved to its position 9, is caused to move from such position to position 11, and transfer of pump operation is thereafter effected from motor 5 to motor 6. Thereafter, the system operates automatically in the manner aforedescribed to increase or to decrease the speed of the operating motor, to effect transfer of the pump drive from one motor to the other or to deenergize the active motor and thus stop the pumping operation.

If under conditions hereinbefore described, i. e., upon failure of switch 39 to operate-motor 6 is started at its lowest speed and is adapted to be operated throughout its full speed range, crosshead 49 bridges contacts 59 in its positions 2 to 21. As hereinbefore pointed out, relay 34 operates under the conditions last mentioned, and its contacts 34 and said contacts 59 insure energization of holding winding 3| during decrease in speed of motor 6 upon opening of contacts 33 Said circuit extends from line L by conductors 80, 8| and 82 through contacts 34*, by conductors 83 and H3 through contacts 59, by conductor I01 through winding 3| and by conductors 85 and 65 to line L It should be noted that when motor 5 is stopped after having been decelerated to its lowest speed, crosshead 49 is moved automatically from its position 9 (transfer position) to its position 1, to thereby insure starting of motor 6 at its lowest speed in the event of failure of motor switch 39 to operate. Thus pilot motor switch 69 is operated when motor switch 30 drops out to effect operation of pilot motor 50, whereby to effect such movement of crosshead 49. The energizing circuit for winding 6D of switch 60 extends from line L by conductors 80, BI and I I4 through normally closed contacts 30 and normally closed contacts 3l by conductor I06 through contacts 53 and winding 60 to line L Contacts 53 terminate at position 2, but Winding 69 is maintained energized until crosshead 49 is moved to position 1, the circuit therefor angers extending through the first of the step-by-step contacts of set 54 and contacts 60 in the manner hereinbefore described.

While the pump motors and 6 are shown herewith as arranged for operating a single pump selectively, it is to be understood that other suitable arrangements may be employed. For example, it is apparent that said motors may be arranged to each drive a pump located respec- Cal tively in separate outflow conduits.

Also it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present system is readily applicable to an arrangement wherein the motors 5 and B operate a pump (as shown in Fig. 3, or pumps located in inflow conduits) at a variable rate to maintain the level of the liquid in tank I within predetermined limits depending upon the rate of outflow or demand-for the liquid.

In adapting the control system shown in Fig. 2 to the arrangement shown in Fig. 3, it is obvious that the only change which is necessary is to reverse the connections from the float switch contacts to the operating windings of relays 32 and 33. Thus as shown in Fig. 4, contacts 8 of float switch l are adapted tobe connected in circuit with the operating winding 32 of relay 32 and contacts 9 are adapted to be connected in circuit with the operating winding 33 of relay 33.

Thus upon a predetermined lowering of the liquid level, motor 5 will be started at low speed to pump liquid into tank I. Upon persistance of such low level or continued lowering thereof, the speed of motor 5 is increased, transfer is effected from motor 5 to motor 6, and the speed of the latter increased. The reverse of this operation is, of course, effected upon rise of the liquid level.

Also it is obvious that a constant speed motor might be employed for driving pump 4 with the provision of means to vary the capacity of said pump, such as a variable speed transmission interposed between motor and pump; such transmission to be adjusted automatically by a control system substantially like that herein disclosed.

What we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination, a conduit for conducting a varying flow of fluid, a storage receiver interposed in said conduit, variable speed pumping means for controlling the flow of fluid through said receiver, means to vary thespeed of said pumping means in a multiplicity of steps, said means including means responsive to the quantity of fluid in said receiver, associated means substantially immediately responsive to reversal in the direction of variation in the quantity of fluid in said receiver, and means responsive to the two last mentioned means to control said speed varying means.

2. In combination, a conduit for conducting a varying flow of fluid, a storage receiver interposed in said conduit, variable capacity pumping means in said conduit for controlling the flow of fluid through said receiver, means to vary the capacity of said pumping means, means to control said last mentioned means including means whereby to progressively vary in a multiplicity of steps the capacity of said pumping means in accordance with the direction of variation in the quantity of fluid in said receiver relative to a normal quantity, and. associated means substantially instantaneously operable upon reversal in the direction of variation in the quantity of fluid in said receiver to at least temporarily maintain the capacity of said pumping means at its instant value.

3. In combination, a conduit for conducting a varying flow of fluid, a storage receiver interposed in said conduit, variable speed pumping means in said conduit for controlling the flow of fluid through said receiver, means to vary the speed of said pumping means, control means for said last mentioned means including means whereby to progressively vary in a multiplicity of steps the speed of said pumping means in accordance with the direction and degree of variation in the quantity of fluid in said receiver relative to a normal quantity, and associated means substantially instantaneously operable upon reversal in the direction of variation in the quantity of fluid in said receiver to maintain the speed of said pumping means at its instant value pending further variation in the quantity of fluid in either direction with respect to said normal quantity.

4. In a fluid flow controlling system, in combination, a conduit for conducting a varying flow of fluid, a storage receiver interposed in said conduit, means for controlling the flow of fluid through said receiver in accordance with variations in the condition of the fluid in said receiver relative to a given normal condition, said means comprising variable delivery pumping means in said conduit, means to vary the rate of delivery of said pumping means throughout a predetermined range, and means to control said last mentioned means including means responsive to variations in the condition of the fluid in said receiver, associated means responsive to reversal in the direction of variation in the condition of the fluid in said receiver, and means responsive to the two last mentioned means to effect in a continuous multiplicity of steps a progressive increase or decrease in the rate of delivery of said pumping means upon and in accordance with the direction of variation in the condition of the fluid in said receiver relative to said given normal condition, said last mentioned means including means whereby to maintain the instant rate of delivery of said pumping means upon reversal in thedirection of variation in the condition of the fluid in said receiver pending further variation of the fluid condition with respect to said given normal condition in either direction.

5. In a fluid flow controlling system, in combination, a conduit for conducting a varying flow of fluid, a storage receiver interposed in said conduit, means for controlling the flow of fluid through said receiver in accordance with variations in the quantity of fluid in said receiver relative to a normal quantity, said means comprising variable speed pumping means in said conduit,

means to vary the speed of said pumping means, and means to control said last mentioned means including means whereby to progressively vary in a multiplicity of steps the speed of said pumping means at a relatively slow rate upon relatively small variations and in accordance with the direction of variation in the quantity of fluid in said receiver with respect to said normal quantity, associated means whereby to progressively vary in a multiplicity of steps the speed of said pumping means at a relatively fast rate upon relatively large variations in the quantity of fluid in said receiver with respect to said normal quantity, and associated means substantially immediately responsive to reversal in the direction of variation in the quantity of fluid in said receiver whereby to maintain the speed of said pumping means at its instant value pending further variation in the quantity of fluid in either direction with respect to said normal quantity.

6. In a fluid flow controlling system of the character described, the combination with a conduit for conducting a varying flow of fluid, of a storage receiver interposed in said conduit, variable delivery pumping means in said conduit for controlling the flow of fluid through saidreceiver, means operable automatically to effect in a continuous multiplicity of steps a progressive variation in the rate of delivery of said pumping means throughout a given range upon a predetermined degree and in accordance with the direction of variation in the quantity of fluid in said receiver relative to a normal quantity, and means associated with said automatically operable means to enable the latter to differentiate between relatively slow and relatively rapid variations in the quantity of fluid in said receiver, whereby the time required to vary the rate-of delivery of said pumping means to compensate for said relatively rapid variations is minimized.

7. In a liquid flow controlling system, in combination, a storage receiver for containing a liquid, said receiver having an inflow conduit and an outflow conduit, a variable delivery pump in one of said conduits, means to vary the rate of delivery of said pump, means to control said last mentioned means including means responsive to variations in the level of the liquid in said receiver whereby to progressively increase or to progressively decrease in a multiplicity of steps the rate of delivery of said pump in accordance with the direction of variation in the level of the liquid relative to a normal level, and associated means substantially instantaneously responsive to reversal in the direction of variation in the level of the liquid whereby to maintain the instant rate of delivery of said pump pending further variation in the level of the liquid in the previous direction or departure thereof from said normal level in the opposite direction.

8. In a liquid flow controlling system, in combination, a storage receiver for containing a liquid and having an inflow conduit and an outflow conduit, a variable delivery pump in one of said conduits, means to vary the rate of delivery of said pump in accordance with variations in the level of the liquid in said receiver relative to given normal limits and to given outer limits, respectively, said last mentioned means including means responsive to variations in the level of the liquid in said receiver and adapted to progressively vary in a multiplicity of steps the rate of delivery of said pump upon and in accordance with the direction of variation in the level of the liquidbeyond said normal limits, associated means operable upon departure of the liquid level beyond either of said normal limits to effect a relatively slow variation in the rate of delivery of said pump, associated means operable upon departure of said liquid level beyond either of said outer limits to effect a relatively fast variation in the rate of delivery of said pump, and associated means substantially instantaneously responsive to reversal in the direction of variation in the level of the liquid in said receiver to at least temporarily maintain the instant rate of delivery of said pump.

9. In a liquid flow controlling system, in combination, a storage receiver for containing a liquid and having an inflow conduit and an outflow conduit, a variable delivery pump in one of said conduits, means to vary the rate of delivery of said pump, means to control said last mentioned means including means whereby to progressively vary in a multiplicity of individually timed steps the rate of delivery of said pump upon'variation in the level of the liquid in said receiver relative to a normal level, said last mentioned means including a float operated switch responsive to variations in the level of the liquid in said receiver, a second float operated switch substantially immediately responsive to reversals in the direction of variation in the level of the liquid in said receiver, and means controlled by said float switches to increase or to decrease the rate of delivery of said pump upon and in accordance with the direction of variation in the level of the liquid in said receiver with respect to said normal level, said last mentioned means including means to at least temporarily maintain the instant rate of delivery of said pump upon reversal in the direction of variation in the level of the liquid in said receiver.

10. In a liquid flow controlling system, in combination, a storage receiver for containing a liquid and having an inflow conduit and an outflow conduit, a variable delivery pump in one of said conduits, a variable speed motor for driving said pump to vary the rate of delivery thereof, means to control said motor including a float operated switch responsive to variations in the level of the liquid in said receiver, said switch being ineffective to control said motor when the level of the liquid is within given limits and being effective to progressively increase or to progressively decrease the speed of said motor upon and in accordance with the direction of variation in the level of the liquid beyond said limits, and a second float operated switch substantially immediately operable upon reversal in the direction of variation in the level of the liquid to maintain the instant speed of said motor pending further variation in the level of the liquid in either direction with respect to said limits.

11. In a liquid flow controlling system, in combination, a storage receiver for containing a liquid, said receiver having a supply conduit for conducting a varying flow of liquid to said receiver and a discharge conduit, means to control the flow of liquid in said discharge conduit in accordance with variations in the level of the liquid in said receiver relative to a normal level, said means comprising a variable delivery pump, means to vary the rate of delivery of said pump comprising a variable speed motor, and control means to vary the speed of said motor in a multiplicity of individually timed steps, said control means being adapted to progressively increase the speed of said motor upon a predetermined degree of rise of the liquid level above said normal level and to progressively decrease the speed of said motor upon a predetermined degree of lowering of the liquid level below said normal level, said control means including means operable substantially instantaneously whereby to at least temporarily maintain the instant speed of said motor upon reversal in the direction of variation in the liquid level.

12. In a liquid flow controlling system, in combination, a storage receiver for containing a liquid, a supply conduit for conducting liquid to said receiver and a discharge conduit for conducting liquid from said receiver in response to a varying demand, means for controlling the flow of liquid in said supply conduit in accordance with variations in the level of the liquid in said receiver relative to a normal level, said means comprising a variable delivery pump, means to vary the rate of delivery of said pump comprising a variable speed motor, and control means to pump to control the flow of sewage through said vary the speed of said motor in a multiplicity of individually timed steps, said control means being adapted to progressively increase the speed of said motor upon a predetermined degree of lowering of the liquid level below said normal level and to progressively decrease the speed of said motor upon a predetermined degree of rise of the liquid level above said normal level, said control means including means operable substantially instantaneously whereby to at least temporarily maintain the instant speed of said motor upon reversal in the direction of variation in the liquid level.

13. In a liquid flow controlling system, in combination, a storage receiver for containing a liquid and having an inflow conduit and an outflow conduit, a variable delivery pump in one of said conduits, means to vary in a multiplicity of steps the rate of delivery of said pump in accordance with Variations in the level of the liquid in said receiver relative to a normal level, said means comprising a plurality of variable speed motors of diiferent speed ranges, respectively, and control means for said motors including means to render the same effective individually in a predetermined sequence to drive said pump upon given durations and/or degrees of unidirectional variation in the level of the liquid from said normal level, means to progressively vary the speed of the active motor in accordance with the direction of variation in the level of the liquid from said normal level, and associated means operable substantially instantaneously to maintain the instant speed of the active motor upon reversal in the direction of variation in the level of the liquid pending further variation in said level in either direction with respect to said normal level.

14. In a liquid level controlling system of the character described, in combination, a storage receiver for containing a liquid, a supply conduit for conducting liquid to said receiver, a discharge conduit for conducting liquid from said receiver, a variable delivery pump in one of said conduits, means to vary the rate of delivery of said pump in accordance with variations in the level of the liquid in said receiver relative to a normal level, said means comprising a plurality of variable speed motors of different speed ranges for driving said pump, and control means for said motors including means to render the same effective individually in a predetermined sequence to operate said pump upon given durations and/or degrees of unidirectional variation in the level of the liquid from said normal level, means to effect transfer of pump operation from one motor to another at substantially like speeds, means to progressively vary in a multiplicity of steps the speed of the active motor throughout a predetermined range in accordance with the direction of variation in the level of the liquid from said normal level, and associated means operable substantially instantaneously to maintain the in stant speed of the active motor upon reversal in the direction of variation in the level of the liquid pending further variation in the level of the liquid with respect to said normal level in either direction.

15. In a sewage fiow controlling system of the character described, the combination with a tank for receiving liquid sewage, of a conduit for supplying to said tank a flow of sewage which is inherently subject to relatively wide variations and a conduit for discharging sewage from said tank, a variable delivery pump in said discharge conduit, means to vary the rate of delivery of said discharge conduit at a rate substantially corresponding to the rate of flow thereof through said supply conduit, said means comprising at least two variable speed motors of different speed ranges, respectively, for operating said pump, control means for said motors to render the same effective individually in a predetermined sequence to operate said pump and including a float responsive to variations in the level of the liquid in said tank, said control means being operable automatically upon a given degree of rise in the liquid level above a predetermined level to effect operation of one of said motors at a predetermined slow speed, said control means being operable upon sustention of said liquidlevel above said predetermined level or upon further rise thereof to effect a progressive step by step increase in the speed of said motor throughout apredetermined range, said control means being thereafter operable to effect transfer of pump operation from said motor to another of said motors at predetermined substantially like speeds and to effect a progressive step by step increase in the speed of the latter, said control means also being operable automatically upon a given degree of lowering of the liquid level below said predetermined level to effect a progressive step by step decrease in the speed of the active motor, said control means being thereafter operable up-' on sustention ofsaid liquid level below said predetermined level or upon continued lowering thereof to effect a further progressive step by step decrease in the speed of the active motor, to effect transfer of pump operation from one to another of said motors at predetermined substantially like speeds and to effect deenergization of said first mentioned motor to stop said pump,

and means associated with said control means to charging sewage from said tank at a rate corre--' sponding to the rate of demand therefor and a conduit for supplying sewage to said tank, a variable delivery pump in said supply conduit, means to vary the rate of delivery of said pump to control the flow of sewage through said supply conduit at a rate substantially corresponding to the rate of flow thereof through said discharge conduit, said means comprising at least two varitive individually in a predetermined sequence to operate said pump and including a float responsive to variations in the level of the liquid in said tank, said control means being operable automatically upon a given degree of lowering of the liquid level below a predetermined level to eifect operation of one of said motors at a predetermined slow speed, said control means being operable upon sustention of said liquid level below said predetermined level or upon further lowering thereof to effect a progressive step by step increase in the speed of said motor throughout a predetermined range, said control means being thereafter operable to effect transfer of pump operation from said motor to another of said motors at predetermined substantially like speeds and to effect a progressive step by step increase in the speed of the latter, said control means also being operable automatically upon a given degree of rise of the liquid level above said predetermined level to effect a progressive step by step decrease in the speed of the active motor, said control means being thereafter operable upon sustention of said liquid level above said predetermined level or upon further rise thereof to effect a continued progressive step by step decrease in the speed of the active motor, to effect transfer of pump operation from one to another of said motors at predetermined substantially like speeds and to effect deenergization of said first mentioned motor to stop said pump, and means associated with said control means to enable the latter to maintain the instant speed of the active motor upon reversal in the direction of variation in the level of the liquid pending further variation in the liquid level in either direction with respect to said predetermined level.

17. In a liquid flow controlling system, in combination, a storage receiver for containing a liquid and having an inflow conduit and an outflow conduit, a variable delivery pump in one of said conduits, means to vary the rate of delivery of said pump including two variable speed motors of different speed ranges, respectively, control means for said motors operable automatically to control the speeds of the latter whereby to effect a progressive variation in the rate of delivery of said pump upon a predetermined degree and in accordance with the direction of variation in the level of the liquid in said receiver relative to a normal level, and associated means operable to render said motors effective individually in a predetermined sequence whereby upon attainment of a given speed of the motor of lesser speed range during increase in the speed thereof transfer of pump operation is adapted to be efiected at said given speed to the motor of greater speed range, said last mentioned means including means operable upon attainment of another given speed of said last mentioned motor during decrease in the speed thereof to effect transfer of pump operation at said latter given speed to said first mentioned motor, for the purpose set forth.

18. In a liquid flow controlling system, in combination, a storage receiver for containing a liquid and having an inflow conduit and an outflow conduit, a variable delivery pump in one of said conduits, means to vary the rate of delivery of said pump including two variable speed motors of substantially like minimum speeds and different maximum speeds, respectively, control means for said motors operable automatically to control the speeds of the latter whereby to efiect progressive variation in the rate of delivery of said pump upon a predetermined degree and in accordance with the direction of variation in the level of the liquid in said receiver relative to a normal level, said last mentioned means including control means for the motor of lesser maximum speed whereby to provide for starting thereof at its minimum speed and to provide for progressive variation in the speed thereof throughout its total range, associated means operable normally during increase in the rate of delivery of said pump and adapted to efiect transfer of the operation of said pump from the motor of lesser to the motor of greater maximum speed at a speed corresponding to the maximum speed of the former, associated means operable normally during decrease in the rate of delivery of said pump and adapted to effect transfer of the operation thereof from the motor of greater to the motor of lesser maximum speed at a speed less than the maximum speed of the latter, and control means for the motor of greater maximum speed to normally provide for operation and progressive variation in the speed thereof between said last mentioned transfer speed and its maximum speed.

19. In a liquid flow controlling system, in combination, a storage receiver for containing a liquid and having an inflow conduit and an outflow conduit, a variable delivery pump in one of said conduits, means to vary the rate of delivery of said pump including two variable speed motors of substantially like minimum speeds and different maximum speeds, respectively, control means for said motors operable automatically to control the speeds of the latter whereby to effect progressive variation in the rate of delivery of said pump upon a predetermined degree and in accordance with the direction of variation in the level of the liquid in said receiver relative to a normal level, said last mentioned means including control means for the motor of lesser maximum speed whereby to provide for starting thereof at its minimum speed and progressive variation in the speed thereof throughout its total range, associated means operable normally during increase in the rate of delivery of said pump and adapted to efiect transfer of the operation of said pump from the motor of lesser to the motor of greater maximum speed at a speed corresponding to the maximum speed of the former, associated means operable normally during decrease in the rate of delivery of said pump and adapted to effect transfer of the operation thereof from the motor of greater to the motor of lesser maximum speed at a speed less than the maximum speed of the latter, and control means for the motor of greater maximum speed to normally provide for operation and progressive variation in the speed thereof between said last mentioned transfer speed and its maximum speed, said last mentioned means including means operable upon failure of the control means for the motor of lesser maximum speed to provide for operation and progressive variation in the speed of the motor of greater maximum speed throughout its total range.

JOHN L. DEFANDORF. ROBERT O. PERRINE. 

